Like the inside linebacker group, the defensive line is top heavy with experience in the form of
Nico Ezidore,
Samuel Obiang and
Gjemar Daniels. But the newcomers brought in by the Texas State coaching staff will fill in the voids left by the veterans
Caeveon Patton,
Jaquel Pierce and Emmanuel Galvon-Vazquez, who were with the program for multiple years.
Check out below for a preview of the Bobcat defensive linemen for the 2022 season:
Who's Returning
There is a lot of productivity that is coming back in 2021. Ezidore totaled 39 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and 1.0 sacks a year ago. In eight games played, Daniels totaled 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. And Obiang was on his way to a standout season before injuries derailed a productive campaign after only six games. During that span, Obiang totaled 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble.
Two younger players to watch include Sears and Mitchell. Sears did not play in any games last year after transferring from Ellsworth Community College, but he has earned the praise of coaches during media availability in spring and fall camps. Mitchell, meanwhile, is a Georgia Southern transfer who also did not appear in any games last season. At Georgia Southern in 2020, he played in nine games and helped the team reach the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Who's Departed
There's a lot of experience and depth exiting the defensive line room with these guys departing the program. Patton, after battling back from numerous injuries during his time as a Bobcat, has been a member of the Indianapolis Colts this spring and summer, while Pierce was a game shy of reaching the 40 career games played mark over a four-year career. In his lone season as a Bobcat, McCann totaled 30 tackles in 11 games played throughout the 2021 season.
Galvan-Vazquez, like Pierce, provided a lot of depth for the defensive line as the Buda native appeared in 28 career games in four seasons.
Who's New
One of the most upgraded positions from a year ago, defensive line coach
Jacori Greer and the Texas State staff brought in five new bodies — all from Division I football programs — to help booster the Bobcats' trenches. And every single newcomer stands 6-foot-1 or taller.
Warren, Ratcliff and Mbanasor were all highly touted recruits coming out of high school, before ultimately finding their ways to San Marcos. Warren was a part of the Longhorns for the last three seasons while Ratcliff saw time with Louisiana a year ago. Mbanasor is the most experienced, playing in 31 games for the Red Raiders over the last four seasons. He also played for Texas State defensive coordinator
Zac Spavital while in Lubbock in 2018.
Bell, whose brother, Ben, is an outside linebacker on the team, transferred from Louisiana Tech and expects to be in the rotation this season after joining the program in the summer.
Robinson, standing at 6-2, 320, played in 17 games at Memphis over the last two seasons. He also helped the Tigers reach the 2020 Montgomery Bowl.
What to Watch For
Plenty of success.
While Greer did lose Pierce, Patton and McCann — among others — from last year's squad, the addition of Warren, Ratcliff, Mbanasor, Bell and Robinson will pay off for defensive coordinator Spavital. Last season, Patton totaled 51 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks at the position, so someone will have to fill the stat sheet.
Other 2022 Position Previews
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Offensive Line
Tight Ends
Quarterbacks
Defensive Backs
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Preseason Camp Information
Texas State started official fall camp practices on August 3 and will participate in 20 days of practices before the first game week in late August. Videos of the weekly press conferences can be found at
TXST.com/watch.
Ticket Information
Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Texas State football season. Season tickets for all six home games start as low as $80 while single-game tickets start at $20. Fans can purchase their tickets today at
TXST.com/tickets.
Gallery: (8-26-2022) 2022 FB Position Preview: Defensive Line
